Audi is bringing back the iconic allroad – likely the only wagon ever to deliver on the “town and country” idea – without ever uttering those words. The allroad is an A4 Avant wagon with some improved off-pavement ability, although I seriously doubt many of them ever so venture. However, the Audi allroad is a capable machine when the driving conditions become less than favorable – it’s at home just about anywhere.
The new allroad features a high-tech 2.0-liter engine with 211 horsepower and 258 pounds-foot of torque – making it faster and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. The real magic of this (and every Audi) is Quattro all-wheel drive, and this new generation steps up the car control game with enhanced ABS and traction control.
The exterior features a unique single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and raised aluminum-optic roof rails. Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches are standard, while a full paint finish is optional.
The Audi allroad will replace the A4 Avant starting in the 2013 model year. This new model is wider, taller and offers higher ground clearance. Compared to its predecessor, the new allroad has a longer wheelbase for ride comfort and more headroom for front passengers. The allroad has 27 cubic feet of cargo space and a cavernous 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. An optional power tailgate is available. 18-inch wheels are standard, and 19-inch wheels are optional.
The interior of the new allroad features a standard Panorama sunroof, 8-way power seats, and Aluminum Trigon inlays. Heated front seats, driver memory, a choice of three wood inlays, and a 505 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System are optional. The allroad can also be equipped with a sports interior package featuring 12-way power front sport seats, and a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles.
Audi offers several advanced technology features for the all-new A4 family, including adaptive front lighting and Audi side assist, which monitors the space behind and beside the A4 by radar and detects any vehicles in neighboring lanes. Driving in the A4 is also enhanced by the optional Driver Assistance package, which features adaptive cruise control that keeps the A4 at a constant distance from the preceding vehicle, active lane assist, and dynamic steering. Dynamic steering varies the effort as well as the steering ratio at different speeds. Active lane assist allows the steering to help maintain lane discipline should the driver begin to sway outside of the lane markings without setting the turn signal.
Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling the innovative infotainment system called Audi connect. Previously available in the A6, A7, A8 and Q7, Audi connect will now be available on all A4 and A5 models, making Audi the only brand worldwide to feature this level of internet system integrated service in the segment.
With Audi connect, the onboard MMI Navigation system is enhanced with Google Earth maps and real-time SiriusXM Traffic information, for a true aerial view of the route. This is by far the coolest and best navigation system I’ve seen since they first amazed me with moving maps and turn-by-turn directions. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; the myAudi Destination feature, which allows registered users to log on to Google Maps from any location and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle; and a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices to simultaneously use the wireless connectivity. Uber-cool, to say the least.
Pricing starts at $39,600 and the allroad is covered by Audi’s standard factory warranty. Fuel economy ranges from 21 to 29-mpg. A long list of options and accessories are available. For more information, see your local Audi dealer or visit AudiUSA.com.